Contradiction with Leviticus 16:12
This verse allows the use of incense in a censer, which contradicts Exodus 30:9's prohibition of burning "strange incense" on the altar.
Leviticus 16:12: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the vail:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 6:20
This verse mentions that incense from Sheba and sweet cane from a far country are acceptable, while Exodus 30:9 prohibits strange incense.
Jeremiah 6:20: To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
Contradiction with Revelation 8:3
This verse describes the offering of incense with prayers at the altar, which contradicts Exodus 30:9's restriction on burning incense.
Revelation 8:3: And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. [offer...: or, add it to the prayers]
Contradiction with Exodus 37:29
This verse mentions the use of incense in the holy anointing oil, which could be seen as contradicting the prohibition in Exodus 30:9 against burning any strange incense.
Exodus 37:29: And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.
Contradiction with Psalm 141:2
This verse equates prayer with incense, suggesting a positive view of incense, which seems to contradict the prohibition in Exodus 30:9.
Psalm 141:2: Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice. [set...: Heb. directed]
Paradox #1
Exodus 30:9 prohibits offering unauthorized incense on the altar. A potential inconsistency could be seen with passages that describe different offerings and sacrifices, which might suggest varying practices or instructions in different contexts. However, these specific instructions often align with the idea of following God's commands closely during worship. Overall, any contradiction may arise from differing interpretations or the specific covenantal contexts within the text.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Exodus 30:9 could arise from the commandment about which offerings are acceptable. Some might see a conflict between this specific rule and other biblical teachings about offering one's best or the idea that intentions and the heart behind the offering matter more than the specific substance. This could be seen as inconsistency when compared to broader themes of sincerity and generosity elsewhere in biblical texts.